FDA rejects psychedelic MDMA as treatment for PTSD, calling for additional study

FDA rejects psychedelic MDMA as treatment for PTSD, calling for additional study

WASHINGTON — Federal health regulators on Friday declined to approve the psychedelic drug MDMA as a therapy for PTSD, a major setback for groups seeking a breakthrough decision in favor of using mind-altering substances to treat serious mental health conditions. Drugmaker Lykos Therapeutics said the FDA notified the company that its drug “could not be … Read more

Veterans lobbied for psychedelic therapy, but it may not be enough to save MDMA drug application

Veterans lobbied for psychedelic therapy, but it may not be enough to save MDMA drug application

NEW YORK — It was a landmark moment for the psychedelic movement: The Department of Veteran Affairs’ top doctor stood on stage, praising advocates who have spent decades promoting the healing potential of mind-altering drugs. In an unannounced appearance at a New York psychedelic conference, the VA’s Dr. Shereef Elnahal said his agency was ready … Read more

Service dogs helped ease PTSD symptoms in US military veterans, researchers say

Service dogs helped ease PTSD symptoms in US military veterans, researchers say

Specially trained service dogs helped ease PTSD symptoms in U.S. military veterans in a small study that the researchers hope will help expand options for service members. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides talk therapy and medications to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and runs a pilot program involving service dogs. The VA can … Read more

Panel rejects psychedelic drug MDMA as a PTSD treatment in possible setback for advocates

Panel rejects psychedelic drug MDMA as a PTSD treatment in possible setback for advocates

WASHINGTON — A first-of-a-kind proposal to begin using the mind-altering drug MDMA as a treatment for PTSD was roundly criticized Tuesday — a potentially major setback to psychedelic advocates who hope to win a landmark federal approval and bring the banned drugs into the medical mainstream. The panel of advisers to the Food and Drug … Read more

Psychedelic drug MDMA faces questions as FDA considers approval for PTSD

Psychedelic drug MDMA faces questions as FDA considers approval for PTSD

WASHINGTON — Federal health regulators are questioning the safety and evidence behind the first bid to use MDMA, the mind-altering club drug, as a treatment for PTSD, part of a decadeslong effort by advocates to move psychedelic drugs into the medical mainstream. The Food and Drug Administration posted its initial review of the drug Friday, … Read more